Best value in "D" cell alkaline battery?

HermitJohn · #1 07/31/12, 03:38 PM

For a LED flashlight? Doesnt have to last the longest, just be the best bang for the buck. In other words the most usable flashlight use for the dollar. Dont give a fig about brand reputation or advertising hype, but about actual performance in real world. Or are much cheaper carbon zinc better bang for the buck. Change them more often and more leakage worries, but ????

Very annoying with all the game playing over brand, AH capacity, etc. And pricing. Seen same Energizer batteries priced from a dollar each to over $3 each. What the....? Is just all about screwing the consumer via confusion and game playing.

Any opinion on Sony Blue alkalines? Seen them on one website for 89cents each with cheap shipping.

Then they have "pro" and "industrial" and who knows what versions.

And just D cell alkalines (and carbon zinc) please, dont care about other sizes or rechargables or whatever else anybody comes up with.

CarolT · #2 07/31/12, 10:33 PM

Well, I have used _almost_ every alkaline you can buy around here. The ones from Dollar General are ok, but when I go get batteries, if I possibly can, I get Duracell. They cost more but the aggravation of having to change out batteries and figure out how to dispose of the drained ones, etc, make it more than worth any I pay in difference, and I'm not sure I do. A job I had involved changing batteries out in machines and I learned then that all batteries are not the same.

I haven't tried the Sony blue, but about to see about that, I've had some type of Sony that did well but cost more than Duracells.

That's my experience, ymmv

jwal10 · #3 07/31/12, 10:54 PM

Duracell alkaline coppertops. Last the longest being used or setting in a device. I can use them this year in a flashlight and it will still be good next winter. Although the best combination I have ever used are the 3 cell maglights with coppertops....James

bergere · #4 08/01/12, 05:19 AM

I have tried most batteries out there. But I decided the, Duracell alkaline coppertops, last a long time and end up being the cheaper batteries in the long run.
I use them in the Mag lights and some big lanterns.

HermitJohn · #5 08/01/12, 10:07 AM

Well had a post all made out with links and graphs and everything and then poof....

More than one site that said the UltraPro Rayovac were marginally longest lasting alkaline D cell. They usually price them slightly below the Energizer and Duracell.

Not doing post over with pics and links. Found one site that said they did unofficial test with one flashlight, first using noname generic carbon zinc, like 44cents for two. And again with the Duracell coppertop. Think they gave like $4 or $5 for two retail at local store (sucker price). The Duracells lasted far longer but cost twice as much per hour of light provided. You shop around and buy the Duracells for around $1 each per cell and brings things pretty even on cost per hour light.

I am also not that fond of carbon zinc batteries as they tend to leak far more often though I have had alkalines leak too.

And finding the free or low cost shipping on batteries is like chasing ghosts. Finally found www.soap.com They were sold out of the 12pkg of UltraPro Rayovac Industrial super duper pooper batteries which were indeed great bargain with free shipping. But they have Eveready Gold 8pkg for $12.75. Eveready Gold Alkaline D Batteries - Best Price You need to have $25 order to get free shipping on first order so two pkg do it, then think minimum goes up to $39 on subsequent orders. Googling for item plus free shipping gets all sorts, one place said sure, free shipping on a $300 order.... Well dont think I need $300 worth of flashlight batteries right now.

arabian knight · #6 08/01/12, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwal10

Duracell alkaline coppertops. Last the longest being used or setting in a device. I can use them this year in a flashlight and it will still be good next winter. Although the best combination I have ever used are the 3 cell maglights with coppertops....James

Yuppers I have tried all the others, and I have a BUNCH of remotes for different things, including a wireless keyboard and mouse, and many small mini led flashlights..
And no matter which ones I use the Copper Top comes out the best. Lasts longer even if it is a bit higher in price Duracell does it.

CarolT · #7 08/01/12, 10:18 AM

I guess I never tried that particular RayOVac, because they just didn't do well for me. They were last on my list, even lower than dollar store brands. That said, though, my use is different than some people's. Almost all of my batteries go in touch lights, flashlights, camp lanterns, etc.

HermitJohn · #8 08/01/12, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarolT

The ones from Dollar General are ok

Dollar General unfortunately doesnt have alkaline D cell in store brand, they just have carbon zinc version.

I did find the DG AA and AAA to be pretty much equivalent of Energizer for lot less money.

However found alkaline AA and AAA at local place called A2Z for even less. Its a place that buys odd lots of stuff, closeouts, and chinese tools, that sort of thing. They had some with Xmas/cartoon characters, pkg'd up to be used as gift card on presents that need batteries I guess. No idea as to actual manufacturer, but they are cheaper than DG alkalines and again last as well as Energizer. The only alkaline D's they sell are regular old Energizer 2pk at the usual high retail price. Guess they carry them cause they sell lot chinese made stuff that needs batteries.

HermitJohn · #9 08/01/12, 12:03 PM

Ok, more searching. And amazingly back to Amazon for best deal unless one need LOT batteries. Can get Duracell D 12pk for equivalent of 1.17 each cell with free ship on $25 order. Or UltraPro Rayovac for couple pennies less. The UltraPros even available with subscription ship without minimum order. But I cant imagine using up 12 D cells in 6 month.

Only way to get batteries shipped for $1 or less with free ship is to find place with free shipping on so and so size order. I found one such place but have to order $100 stuff to get the free shipping, but they did have Duracell D alkalines $1 and even some little less. Amazon probably better way to go unless you need LOT of batteries or other stuff that place sells.

bergere · #10 08/01/12, 01:42 PM

I buy my in bulk from Costco, when they are on sale. Makes them even cheaper than the ...cheaply priced, no name batteries that don't last very long. ;O)

HermitJohn · #11 08/01/12, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bergere

I buy my in bulk from Costco, when they are on sale. Makes them even cheaper than the ...cheaply priced, no name batteries that don't last very long. ;O)

Closest Costco to me is 300 miles away. So think that fuel cost would make them might more expensive.....

**highlands** · #12 08/01/12, 03:04 PM

Highest Ahr rechargeable you can find. We use mostly NiMH. Several brands in the house, all seem to do well and last about 7 to 10 years.

bergere · #13 08/01/12, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HermitJohn

Closest Costco to me is 300 miles away. So think that fuel cost would make them might more expensive.....

That is quite a distance. Wonder if you have a Sam's club in your area, and what their battery prices are like?

HermitJohn · #14 08/01/12, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highlands

Highest Ahr rechargeable you can find. We use mostly NiMH. Several brands in the house, all seem to do well and last about 7 to 10 years.

Rechargables and me dont get along. I dont use stuff on a schedule, just ever once in a while as need or mood arises, so when I need it, batteries never charged. The rechargables discharge themselves in few days if not used. And they go wonky quick if you leave them in charger all the time. Been there, done that with couple high quality sets along with high quality charger for my camera. Found out no more pics than I take, alkaline AAs are lot, lot easier. They work when I need them or are quick to replace. No waiting half hour for them to charge before I can use the camera.

HermitJohn · #15 08/01/12, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bergere

That is quite a distance. Wonder if you have a Sam's club in your area, and what their battery prices are like?

Sams quite near to me, but $40+ membership fee to buy 12 flashlight batteries? I dont know anybody anymore with a Sams card either. I mean if they have Duracell D's for 10cents each, hey I'll get a membership card. But to save 10cents off what they sell them at Wally, no thanks. Too much hassle for too little gain.

My guess is Sams dont sell them cheaper than $1.oo each plus 11% tax. Amazon sells them 1.17 with no tax. I'll burn that extra 6 cents per battery not to deal with Sams and memberships and all that baloney.

Huh, didnt know Sams sold online. They have Energizer for around $1.15 each plus shipping. Amazon has them beat with free shipping.